I know some of you have traveled, heck I know some of you have even designed some good stuff overseas

I'm going to be spending the summer in Paris studying art and architecture. I have lectures to attend and excursions to go on, but i'll have a good bit of free time.

Any suggestions for exploring the craft of themed design in Paris? DLP is an obvious stop, but what else would be grand? The only other thing over there i'm really at all informed about is Parc Asterix.

England has some great parks, but I haven't gotten over there... The Brits seem to love theme parks too and have quite a few long-standing ones! Alton Towers is one... There's another big one, but it's not popping into mind right now.

I believe there is a famous Opera House there in Paris that may be well-worth a tour...

[quote="Holly"]England has some great parks, but I haven't gotten over there... The Brits seem to love theme parks too and have quite a few long-standing ones! Alton Towers is one... There's another big one, but it's not popping into mind right now.

I believe there is a famous Opera House there in Paris that may be well-worth a tour...[/quote]

I think it's simply called the Paris Opera House - the grand staircase was specifically designed to allow people to be seen in their fashionable clothes and grand dresses and such as they entered. It's an iconic example of a space designed for the way people use it.

The way the program works, I'll be touring museums and artist's studios 20hrs a week as part of daily "classes" then on Fridays we go on an excursion - either an all-day deal to a bigger venue or maybe a trip outside the city.

Then the last week of the program we're in Venice for the Biennale which is like a big art to-do.

Weekends are free time to explore and do whatever I want.

Right now, i'm seriously looking at spending a day in Amsterdam on a stop over on my way to Paris. Supposed to have great museums.

From Paris to Venice we ride an overnight train and in Venice we're right on the grand canal. Should be a really great experience overall.

The class i'm taking is through Art History and it's called Sites of Inspiration. The idea is that art is an outgrowth of people's surroundings and ideaology of a time - so we'll look at where great artists work or worked and also home some iconic locations inspired great works.

Studying art in Paris.. is just.. I dunno. It kinda feels like it's not real, still a dream. And it's not just museums, studios and workshops and such.

A close friend/former imagineer once told me, "Paris is the ultimate amusement park." No, not the city of lights. No, not the mecca of fashion. But rather, the most magnificent amusement park in the whole wide world. I've had the pleasure of spending a fair amount of time in Paris, and there is no greater truth -- the city of lights truly is the most magnificent theme park in the world. From the lights, to the architecture, to the people. There is an endless array of architectural delights to hidden treasures, but Paris' true beauty is in its simplicity. Make a point to see the "to-do's", but please do yourself a favor and make a point of getting lost at least once a day. Then, I promise you will discover Parisian beauty in its rarest of forms.

Be sure to just enjoy the relaxing country-side around Paris, too. I loved it more than the city itself when I got to go (a very long time ago). Words of advice (that may still hold true) - Americans like to "touch" things in stores, where the Parisians weren't very excited about us doing that, unless buying it; our hot dogs (and sausage) are nothing like theirs, also our hamburgers are nothing like their steak tartare (shivers just thinking about it!); the club-size bread is not for beating people with, but is tasty; restrooms may be co-ed; enjoy everything for all it's worth - sleep when you get back home!